RBC Capital Markets is set to make hires across its investment banking business, pushing into new sectors as it resumes its expansion in Europe.

The hires are part of the second phase of a cautious strategic advance into Europe that the Canadian bank began in late 2009. Having judged last year that the first phase in RBC’s areas of traditional strength had been a success, the bank is venturing into new territory.

It is expected to hire advisory bankers to create teams covering healthcare and telecoms, media and technology, according to four people familiar with its plans.

The bank also plans to appoint country bankers in continental Europe and add to sponsor coverage and corporate broking, the people said. The hires in sector coverage are expected to be mirrored in equity research, according to one of the people.

A spokeswoman for RBC declined to comment.

RBC’s European expansion plan began in 2009 with the hire of former Goldman Sachs banker Joshua Critchley as head of European equity capital markets and corporate broking. The bank’s strategy of building in Europe is being led by Critchley, who this month became sole head of European investment banking with the appointment of the other co-head, Patrick Meier, as chairman of RBC’s European investment bank.